That Happened

Editorial

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Well, that happened. Another Carnival passed. Just in time to save the city from spontaneous combustion. In general gringos think Brazilian’s aren’t as big drinkers as there are – in say – Ireland, but when it comes time to let the demons out for Carnival – I believe they stand corrected.

Since Friday of last week, every night has been a rumbling street party that looks like the Arab spring without the guns… thankfully.

Beyond the epic blocos, the Sambódromo and wonderful samba school parades keeps eyes busy with amazing costumes and floats, and I hope Rio never looses that.

Although truth be told I have never been, and not sure I will, for the same reason I didn’t rally for the Rock in Rio event, some form of laziness. But it is fun to see on TV.

Today is the day I am told Brazil sighs relief, and gets ready for Lent, the next 46-some-odd days of abstinence. It is time to get back to business, and there is plenty to do.

There are oil concerns – small but scary offshore drilling leaks. With all the travelers passing through, I find myself explaining it is not the World Cup or Olympics driving Brazil’s boom, it’s the oil.

Also in Rio there are UPP concerns, as the biggest fear by the residents of these ‘pacified’ favela communities is the danger of exchanging one boss for another, an even scarier one – a crooked cop. Armed with a badge and no conscious.

That story is related to another interesting development, the potential police strikes happening on a national level. It is not being covered by Brazilian media much, but the police unions are organizing across the country and not keen to let this rest.

But today is a new day, to reflect on all that is Carnival, all that happened in the last week, and get ready for life to go back to normal.